Manchester City defeated Everton with a spirited display at the Etihad Stadium - here are five things we learned.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini has been rotating Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko alongside top dog Sergio Aguero, but Negredo mae a strong case against Everton that he should be selected ahead of the Bosnian. He was aggressive, committed, skilful and he scored a goal - an ideal Premier League performance. And he can claim an assist for the second goal as he was busy squaring up to Seamus Coleman shortly before Sergio Aguero blasted City ahead.

Silva the main man

For all the money City spent this summer, David Silva remains the Blues' key player. His feline midfield play is just that level above most opponents, darting here and there, seeing passes where defences see none, angling little balls here and there. The subtlety in his play a joy to behold at times.

It must have been a nervy afternoon for the England number one but the crowd backed him strongly and he didn't disappoint. There have been a few mutterings about Lukaku's goal but to blame the keeper would be extremely harsh. Elsewhere he was tidy and alert under what must have been uncomfortable pressure. Like Pellegrini said, trusting Hart is key now.

Defence remains an issue

Everton's goal was a classic example of City's dodgy defence this term. First of all Vincent Kompany played them onside for the long ball, Aleks Kolarov went AWOL at left back, then Lukaku drifted past Joleon Lescott too easily before scoring past Hart (no blame). Kompany's injury means City are right back to the bare bones again, and even Gael Clichy needed a Pellegrini blast to get him up and off the bench when Kolarov went off with a cut. If the defence doesn't improve the team will get found out against top opposition.

The Engineer at work

Pellegrini is staying true to his rotation philosophy. Against Bayern he chose quick full backs to counter quick wingers - it might not have worked but the thought was there. Against Everton Lescott came in to combat Lukaku and that proved a shrewd move with Lescott, barring that early lapse, standing up to the physical challenge. It remains to be seen if Pellegrini will settle on a first choice XI for big games, but for now he's happy to tailor his side.

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